Filenews 10 December 2022
"In the context of the deployment of the French Naval Force CTF-473 in Anat. Mediterranean, led by the aircraft carrier "CHARLES DE GAULLE (CDG)", with a mission of maritime surveillance, as part of operation "ANTARES", a program of exercises was planned with the participation of aeronautical assets of the CTF-473 and the National Guard. In particular, on Friday, December 09, 2022, an air defence exercise was held under the name TAMS "TALOS-2/2022", with the participation of air defence systems of the Air Force Command and Rafale aircraft, which were operated by the aircraft carrier CDG," the GEEF said in a statement.
"The exercise was attended on board the aircraft carrier CDG by the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Demokritos Zervakis, accompanied by the Commander of the Air Force Command, Brigadier General (I) Marios Florides and the Commander of the Navy Command, Captain Konstantinos Gennadiou.
The purpose of the exercise was to train air defence personnel in air force deployment tactics, to increase operational readiness and the level of standardization in the planning and conduct of air operations. Specifically, during the exercise, the air defence system as well as the self-protection system of the National Guard facilities was activated and its performance in realistic conditions was evaluated by dealing with modern fighter aircraft. In addition, personnel practiced tactical weapons control procedures and information transmission as well as air defence procedures of the Air Control Center.
Upon its conclusion, the Commander-in-Chief, after congratulating the participants, noted that in addition to the messages at the strategic level, the exercise contributed to the enhancement of interoperability between the Air forces at the operational and tactical level, as well as the ability to coordinate, plan and conduct joint operations.
In addition to monitoring the exercise, the Commander-in-Chief was briefed by the Commander of CTF-473 on the capabilities, mission and operations in general conducted in the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean.
It should be noted that, during the presence of the French Naval Force in Anat. Mediterranean, a program of exercises was planned with the participation of aeronautical assets of the CTF-473 and the National Guard.
In particular, on November 26, 2022, the Navy Command planned and conducted a small-scale aeronautical exercise, under the name CYP / FRA-04/2022, examining objects of common interest, while implementing the Memorandum of Bilateral Agreement on Cooperation on Defence Issues.
Also, from 06 to 09 December 2022, GP IOANNIDIS joined the CTF-473 and participated in all its scheduled missions. Respectively, an Officer of the Navy Command participated in the staff of the Force, boarding a French Frigate.
The implementation of the program is ongoing and will continue throughout the presence of the CTF-473 Naval Force in Anat. Mediterranean sea.
Joint activities are considered to be particularly beneficial, as they enable National Guard personnel to co-train with Units of the French Armed Forces, thus promoting interoperability, which is essential for carrying out joint operations. They are also a tangible proof of the excellent relationship that has developed over time between the Armed Forces of Cyprus and France, as well as an indication of the mutual intention to take advantage of every opportunity to further deepen the military cooperation between the two countries."
